Boxing
Exclusive Q&A: James DeGale lifts lid on new purpose and ring return
Garcia vs. Benn live on DAZN PPV – Saturday
Before making his bare-knuckle debut in BKFC last year, James DeGale had largely avoided the spotlight since retiring from boxing.
But while a points win over Matt Floyd helped scratch an itch, the former two-time IBF world super-middleweight champion has long craved a return to the squared circle.
DeGale, 40, hung up his gloves after losing a unanimous decision to Chris Eubank Jr. at London’s O2 Arena in February 2019.
It was a disappointing end to a stellar career and the frustration of bowing out at less than 100% is fuelling his comeback against Marcus Portman in Wolverhampton later this month.
The Londoner is also training his cousin Lee Cook as the former pro footballer prepares to step into the ring at charity event A Night To Remember III on October 22 against Martin Woods.
With a busy period ahead, the 2008 Olympic gold medallist sat down for a chat with DAZN News via Evolution Gaming.
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DAZN News: Footballers have to be extremely fit but boxing training is on another level. How big a challenge does Lee face?
James DeGale: He’s got many challenges ahead but the biggest one is probably showing dedication and sacrifice to get the win on fight night.
He's probably going to doubt himself at some points along the journey, but that's natural. He has to be strong-minded to stay focused and dedicated, then on the night to put everything he has learnt into practice.
DN: Ultimately, it comes down to commitment and dedication then?
JD: Boxing is the best sport in the world. It's also the hardest. You have to show a lot of dedication and sacrifice to achieve what you want in the ring. That starts in training, putting the work in and making the hard choices and sacrifices.
We were speaking the other day and Lee said he had stopped drinking. I said to him: “Let’s do an eight-week camp, no alcohol, no bad food and train every day. I promise you won’t regret those decisions. If you can do those three things, you’ll be there and you’ll be ready.” He replied: “I'm on it. I'm on it.”
Feldman Boxing
DN: While it’s a new challenge for Lee, it’s also one for you. How are you finding coaching?
JD: It’s certainly very different and nothing will ever give you the thrill, excitement and nerves of stepping into the ring. Nothing is as punishing as going through the pain, hard work and intensity that only a training camp can give you.
But I’ve been doing some training down at my local amateur boxing club. I love passing on my knowledge and giving back. Boxing has given me so much. It’s nice to be able to pass on that experience and give back to the local community.
In terms of being a professional boxing coach, that’s a full-time job requiring serious dedication and commitment. I don’t know if I’ll go down that road but I’ll certainly continue helping out at the local boxing gym.
DN: Being cousins, some may think you’ll go easy on Lee. Is that the case?
JD: I've told him he's getting put through the wringer. It’s going to be hard but this is where the discipline and sacrifice come in. I’ve got him working his socks off.
I can tell how much it means to him. He wants to raise money for charity but he’ll always have the mindset of a professional sportsman and want to put on a good show.
DN: How does it feel to be involved with A Night To Remember III?
JD: It's nice to be doing something for an amazing cause — it’s a privilege to be in a position to be able to give back. Anything I can do to help and support, I'm down. And of course, it’s even more special with my cousin fighting on the card.
I've also known [event organiser] Graham Stack for years now, just through being professional athletes, mixing in similar circles and going to events. He’s a really good guy.
This is his third charity boxing event and he’s absolutely smashing it. Don’t underestimate how much goes into these events. He's raising a lot of money for charity, so you have to give him a hell of a lot of credit.
DN: After competing in BKFC a year ago, you’re preparing to box Portman on September 26. What lured you back?
JD: I've always wanted one more fight. The way I finished my professional career, if I’m being truly honest, still haunts me to this day.
People don't realise I was boxing with injuries and I had chronic inflammation. I could reel off a list of the things my body was going through and suffering from.
This is just to show people how handicapped I was at the end of my career. This isn't for anybody else. I just want to go in, smash it and get a good win.
DN: How tough a fight are you expecting?
JD: He's confident but I view this fight going one way; me coming out victorious. If I can't beat him in good fashion, I really am shot. So let's just get in there, put on a show and look back with pride and my head held high.
James DeGale is training Lee Cook ahead of A Night To Remember III on Thursday, October 22, at The Grosvenor House Hotel. To get your table, head to ProProjectPromotions.com.
Watch Garcia vs. Benn on DAZN
Britain's Conor Benn looks to become a world champion for the first time against US superstar Ryan Garcia on Saturday, September 12.
Watch the fight exclusively in the UK & Ireland and other territories (check for availability) on DAZN PPV or included in our Ultimate Tier subscription.
